Articles of footwear

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined with the outsole, the upper having an exterior surface. A panel is joined with the upper, the panel being foldable about an axis between a first position and a second position. A first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position, and a second, different indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the second position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to articles of footwear, and moreparticularly to an upper assembly that is selectively alterable to offerdifferent visual effects.

There are a variety of footwear that include features that are able tobe modified to change the aesthetics of the footwear. For example, thereare certain women's shoes, including vamps that are adapted to accept aseparate, supplemental panel. The supplemental panel also can be removedand replaced with another panel to provide different coloration, designsor the like to those shoes.

There also are shoes and sandals that include a reversible panel whichis linked via a cord to an upper construction. The panel can include afront side and a reverse side. The panel can be swiveled about the cordto selectively expose either the front side or the reverse side toprovide a desired visual coloration, design or image. This constructioncan provide variety to the user and enable them to select a particulardesign depending on their disposition at the time.

While the above can enable a user, such as a child, to modify theappearance of footwear, there remains room for improvement in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A footwear and upper assembly are provided including a panel or strapjoined with the upper, where the panel or strap is selectively moveableto expose a first indicia element, while concealing a second indiciaelement, or to expose a second indicia element, while concealing thefirst indicia element.

In one embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined withthe outsole. The upper includes an exterior surface. A panel is joinedwith the upper. The panel is foldable about an axis between a firstposition and a second position. A first indicia element is exposed whenthe panel is in the first position, and a second, different indiciaelement is exposed when the panel is in the second position.

In another embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an upper joinedwith the outsole. The upper defines a foot void that is adapted toreceive a wearer's foot. The upper has an exterior surface with a curvedcontour. The upper also includes a panel joined with the upper adjacentthe curved contour of the exterior surface. The panel is pivotable aboutan axis which follows the curved contour, and is generally curveditself. Additionally, the panel is urged to either a first position or asecond position due to the attachment of the panel to the curvedcontour. A first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in thefirst position, and a second indicia element is exposed when the panelis in the second position.

In still another embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an upperjoined with the outsole. The upper includes an exterior surface having acurved contour, and a panel is joined with the upper adjacent the curvedcontour. The panel has a first edge and a second edge and is pivotableabout an axis between a first position and a second position. The axisfollows the curved contour of the upper and is curved itself. The panelexposes a first indicia element in the first position, while concealinga second indicia element in the first position, and exposes a second,different indicia element in the second position, while concealing thefirst indicia in the second position.

In even another embodiment, the panel is of a first curved configurationfrom the first edge to the second edge when in the first position, andis of a second curved configuration from the first edge to the secondedge when in the second position. The panel moves through anintermediary position as it transitions to at least one of the firstposition and the second position and is urged to achieve at least one ofthe first curved configuration and the second curved configuration as itmoves through the intermediary position. The panel snaps into either thefirst curved configuration or the second curved configuration in thefirst position and in the second position, respectively, generallyfollowing the curved contour of the exterior surface in the firstposition and the second position.

In a further embodiment, a footwear upper assembly defines a foot voidand includes a lateral panel and a medial panel. The lateral paneldefines a first slot, and the medial panel defines a second slot, wherethe first and second slots are disposed on opposing sides of thefootwear. The upper assembly also includes a closure strap that extendsthrough the first slot and the second slot. The strap is configured tosnugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void. The strap isslidably moveable relative to the first and second slots to a firstposition and to a second, different position.

In still a further embodiment, a first indicia element is exposed whenthe strap is in the first position, and a second, different indiciaelement in exposed when the strap is in the second position. The strapincludes a first end and a second end configured so that either thefirst end is secured to the medial panel when the first indicia elementis exposed, or the second end is secured to the lateral panel when thesecond indicia element is exposed.

In yet a further embodiment, a footwear upper assembly includes a vamp,a lateral quarter panel, a medial quarter panel, and a strap. Thelateral quarter panel defines a first slot and is joined with the vamp.The medial quarter panel defines a second slot and is joined with thevamp. The first and second slots are disposed on opposing sides of thefootwear. The strap extends through the first slot and the second slotand is configured to snugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void.The strap is slidably moveable relative to the first and second slots toa first position and to a second, different position.

In even a further embodiment, a first indicia element is exposed whenthe strap is in the first position, and a second, different indiciaelement in exposed when the strap is in the second position. The strapincludes a first end, a second end, and a center portion between thefirst and second ends. The first end includes a first closure device,the second end includes a second closure device, the center portionincludes a third closure device, the lateral quarter panel includes afourth closure device, and the medial quarter panel includes a fifthclosure device. In the first position, the first closure device issecured to the third closure device to secure the first end to thecenter portion, and the second closure device is secured to the fourthclosure device to secure the second end to the lateral quarter panel. Inthe second position, the second closure device is secured to the thirdclosure device to secure the second end to the center portion, and thefirst closure device is secured to the fifth closure device to securethe first end to the medial quarter panel.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly inaccordance with a current embodiment, and illustrating a panel in afirst position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the footwear, illustrating the panel inan intermediate position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the footwear, illustrating the panel ina second position where a second indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly inaccordance with a first alternative embodiment, and illustrating a panelin a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the footwear of the first alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the footwear of the first alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a secondindicia element is exposed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly inaccordance with a second alternative embodiment, and illustrating apanel in a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the footwear of the second alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the footwear of the second alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a secondindicia element is exposed;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly inaccordance with a third alternative embodiment, and illustrating a panelin a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the footwear of the third alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the footwear of the third alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a secondindicia element is exposed;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly inaccordance with a fourth alternative embodiment, and illustrating apanel in a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the footwear of the fourth alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the footwear of the fourth alternativeembodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a secondindicia element is exposed;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assemblyincluding multiple panels in accordance with a fifth alternativeembodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of footwear including a heel counter ofthe upper assembly having a panel in accordance with a sixth alternativeembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assemblyincluding panels folded accordion-style in accordance with a seventhalternative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assemblyhaving a closure strap in accordance with a eighth alternativeembodiment;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternativeembodiment, illustrating the closure strap shifted in a first direction;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternativeembodiment, illustrating an intermediate position of the closure strap;

FIG. 19C is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternativeembodiment, illustrating a first position of the closure strap where afirst indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternativeembodiment, illustrating the closure strap shifted in a seconddirection;

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternativeembodiment, illustrating a second intermediate position of the closurestrap; and

FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternativeembodiment, illustrating a second position of the closure strap where asecond indicia element is exposed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

An article of footwear in accordance with a current embodiment is shownin FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 10. The article of footwear 10generally includes an upper assembly 12 joined with an outsole 14. Theupper assembly 12 and the outsole 14 together define a foot void 16configured to securely and comfortably hold a human foot. The foot isreceived through a foot opening 17 defined by the upper assembly 12. Theupper assembly 12 and the outsole 14 each have a corresponding forefootportion, a heel portion, a lateral portion, and a medial portion.

Although the embodiments are illustrated in the context of a children'sathletic or play shoe, it may be incorporated into other adolescent oradult shoes, and any type or style of footwear, including shoes, bootsand sandals. It should be noted that directional terms, such as“vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,”“inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describingthe invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in theillustrations. Further, the terms “medial,” “lateral” and “longitudinal”are used in the manner commonly used in connection with footwear. Forexample, when used in referring to a side of the shoe, the term “medial”refers to the inward side (i.e. the side facing the other shoe) and“lateral” refers to the outward side. When used in referring to adirection, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to a directiongenerally extending along the length of the shoe between toe and heel,and the term “lateral direction” refers to a direction generallyextending across the width of the shoe between the medial and lateralsides of the shoe. The use of directional terms should not beinterpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientations.

For purposes of disclosure, the embodiments are described in the contextof the footwear 10 including the outsole 14. The upper assembly 12, may,however, be combined with any type or style of sole construction capableof being suitably joined with the upper assembly 12. The upper assembly12 of the illustrated embodiment includes an upper 18 including anexterior surface having a curved contour, the upper 18 formed from oneor more layers of material that are shaped to form an enclosure ofroughly the size and shape of a wearer's foot, defining the foot void16. The upper 18 includes medial and lateral side or quarters 20, 22 ina spaced relationship disposed on opposite sides of the footwear and thewearer's foot, and a contoured vamp 24 that closes a portion of the topof the upper 18. Foxing and other trim or extra material may be added tothe upper 18 as desired for functional or aesthetic reasons. In thisembodiment, the upper 18 includes a tongue 26 to facilitate fitting andremoval of the article of footwear 10 on the wearer's foot. The tongue26 and outsole 14 generally are conventional and therefore will not bedescribed in detail herein. Additionally, the upper 18 may include aheel counter 19. The heel counter 19 may be a generally conventionalheel counter configured to provide control and stability to the wearer'sheel.

The upper 18 includes a closure strap 28 that is disposed over thecurved exterior surface of the upper 18 and configured to snugly securea wearer's foot within the foot void 16. The strap 28 has a first end 30attached to one of the medial quarter 20 or the lateral quarter 22 ofthe upper assembly 12 near the foot opening 17. The strap 28 alsoincludes a free second end 32 that is releasably securable to the otherof the lateral and medial quarters 20, 22 (that is, the opposite side)of the upper 18. The second end 32 of the strap 28 may be releasablysecurable to the opposite lateral or medial quarter 20, 22 by a matingreleasable fastener, such as hook and loop fasteners (for example,Velcro® fasteners), a buckle, snaps, magnets, a friction device, or anyother suitable device capable of temporarily fastening one footwearcomponent to another. One side of the mating releasable fastener islocated on each of the second end 32 of the strap 28 and the oppositelateral or medial quarter 20, 22.

The strap 28 also includes a decorative panel 40 that isfoldable/pivotable between a first position A, shown in FIG. 1, and asecond, different position B, shown in FIG. 3. The terms fold, pivot,and flip are used herein to describe the action of repositioning ormoving the panel 40 from one position to expose or conceal one or moreindicia elements, to another position to expose or conceal one or moreother indicia elements. When folded, the panel 40 is bent over uponitself along a fold line or crease. When pivoted, at least a portion ofthe panel 40 rotates or turns about an axis or point. Further, theaction of folding may be considered a specific form of pivoting withrespect to the footwear described herein. Optionally, the panel 40 ispositioned on the strap 28 or the tongue 26 and is located apredetermined distance below the upper extremity of the tongue 26 or theuppermost portion of the upper 18 so that the panel 40 does not engagean ankle of the wearer as the wearer engages in activity, such asrunning, walking, or crawling.

The panel 40 is made up of a first stationary portion 42, a firstpivoting portion 44, a second stationary portion 46, and a secondpivoting portion 48. In the illustrated example, the first stationaryand pivoting portions 42, 44 are generally halves of a rectangular pieceof material. It should be understood, however, that the piece ofmaterial may have a shape other than a rectangle, and may be effectivelysplit into portions other than halves. Likewise, the second stationaryand pivoting portions 46, 48 are generally halves of a secondrectangular piece of material. The stationary portions 42, 46 arepositioned adjacent and in alignment with one another, and optionallyare joined with the strap 28. Of course, the stationary and pivotingportions can be joined with other elements of the footwear as desired.The stationary portions 42, 46 can be joined with the strap 28 bystitching, adhesive, or any other suitable means. Additionally, thestationary portions, 42, 46 are arranged such that the pivoting portions44, 48 are aligned back-to-back. The pivoting portions 44, 48 aresecured together and define a panel portion 50 that is pivotable aboutan axis 51 between the first and second positions A and B. The pivotingportions 44, 48 can be secured together via stitching, adhesive, or anyother suitable means. In the illustrated example, the axis 51 or foldline is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA, shown in FIG. 2, and isformed by the lower edge of the panel portion 50 where the pivotingportions 44, 48 transition to the stationary portions 42, 46.

The panel 40 includes a first indicia element 52 and a second indiciaelement 54. The first indicia element 52 is visible when the panelportion 50 is flipped, pivoted, moved, or transitioned to the firstposition A, and the second indicia element 54 is visible when the panelportion 50 is flipped to the second position B. In the illustratedexample, the first indicia element 52 is illustrated simply as a squareand the second indicia element 54 is illustrated simply as a circle. Itshould be understood that any desirable graphic, word, phrasing, image,etc. may be used as the indicia forming or in relationship to an indiciaelement. Further, as is perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, portions of theindicia may extend across both the first stationary and pivotingportions 42, 44, and the second stationary and pivoting portions 46, 48,each portion 42-48 forming a fraction of the respective indicia. Ofcourse, it should also be understood that the entire indicia may becontained entirely on any one of the portions.

With the described panel 40 configuration, the panel portion 50 can bepivoted, as illustrated by arrow C in FIG. 2, between the first andsecond positions A and B, to reveal one of the first and second indiciaelements 52, 54. Accordingly, when flipped to the first position A, thepanel portion 50 covers the second stationary portion 46, and togetherthe first stationary portion 42 and the panel portion 50 reveal thefirst indicia element 52. Oppositely, when flipped to the secondposition B, the panel portion 50 covers the first stationary portion 42,and together the second stationary portion 46 and the panel portion 50reveal the second indicia element 54. In the illustrated example, thepanel portion 50 is flipped up (away from the outsole) or down (towardthe outsole).

The pivoting of a member about an arcuate axis creates a biasing forceby causing the pivot axis to straighten at the base of the pivotingmember, thereby urging the member to a position where the axis is againarcuate. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-rigid strap 28 conformsto the curved exterior surface of the upper 18, and the panel 40, beingjoined with the upper 18 adjacent the curved contour, is also curved ina direction between the medial and lateral portions of the upper 18.Further, the pivot axis 51 follows the curved contour and is alsogenerally curved about the longitudinal axis LA. Stated differently, thepivot axis is curved downward such that the center is the highest point,and the medial and lateral ends are the lowest points. The curvature ofthe panel 40 provides a bias when moving the panel portion 50, forexample by flipping it, thereby urging the panel portion 50 to one ofthe first or second positions A or B due to the attachment of the panel40 to the curved contour. Moreover, the greater the degree of curvature,the greater the bias toward one of the first or second positions A or B.Additionally, the panel portion 50 may include a fastener 56 toreleasably maintain the panel portion 50 in either of the first orsecond positions A or B. It is contemplated that the fastener 56 may bein the form of a magnet, hook and loop, or any other suitable typefastener.

This phenomenon of creating a bias when pivoting a member about anarcuate axis can be described in another manner. For example, the panel40 is joined with the upper 18 adjacent the curved contour of theexterior surface and is pivotable about the axis 51, between firstposition A and second position B. Additionally, the panel 40 includes afirst edge 40 a and a second edge 40 b, as shown in FIG. 1. In the firstposition A, shown in FIG. 1, the panel is of a first curvedconfiguration from the first edge 40 a to the second edge 40 b.Referring now to FIG. 3, the panel 40 is of a second curvedconfiguration from the first edge 40 a to the second edge 40 b when inthe second position B. The first curved configuration can be describedas having a concave form when considering the shape of the upper surfaceof the panel 40 relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Conversely, thesecond curved configuration can be described as having a convex formwhen considering the shape of that same upper surface of the panel 40when in the second position B. In the second position B, the uppersurface of the panel 40 is folded in half, upon itself. In thisarrangement, the second curved configuration is convex relative to thelongitudinal axis LA. Further, when the panel 40 moves through anintermediary position, as shown in FIG. 2, as it transitions to one ofthe first and second positions A and B, the panel 40 is urged to achieveat least one of the first and second curved configurations. As such, thepanel 40 snaps into either the first curved configuration or the secondcurved configuration in the first position A and in the second positionB, respectively, generally following the curved contour of the exteriorsurface in the first position A and the second position B. Additionally,this urging or bias retains the panel 40 in the user-selected positionand the panel portion 50 remains either up or down, in either the firstor second positions A or B, during normal activity as performed by thewearer.

Alternately, it should be noted that a user may release the strap 28from the fastener on the lateral or medial quarter 20, 22 beforepivoting the panel portion 50 from one position to the other. Thereleased strap 28 can be straightened, thereby removing the curvatureand bias from the pivot axis 51. The panel portion 50 may be flipped tothe desired position, and the strap 28 may then be again secured to thefastener on the lateral or medial quarter 20, 22, returning thecurvature and bias to the pivot axis 51 and the panel portion 50.

A first alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS.4-6 and generally designated 110. This first alternative embodiment issimilar to the embodiment above with a few exceptions. For example, thestrap 128 includes at least two layers: a first layer 170 having a void,recess, or cutout 172, the first layer including an integral panelportion 150, and a second layer 176 positioned behind the first layer170. The panel portion 150 has a first side 178 and a second side 180and is pivotable between the first and second positions A and B.

As shown, a lower portion of the first indicia element 152 is includedon the first layer 170. Additionally, an upper portion of the secondindicia element 154 is included on the second layer 176 and ispositioned within the cutout 172. When in the first position A, as shownin FIG. 4, the first side 178 of the panel portion 150 and the firstlayer 170 together expose or illustrate the entire first indicia element152. Additionally, in the first position A, the panel portion 150conceals the second indicia element 154. In the second position B, asshown in FIG. 6, together the second side 180 of the panel portion 150and the second layer 176 of the strap 128 reveal the second indiciaelement 154 and conceal the first indicia element 152. Accordingly, inthe second position B, the first layer 170 and the second layer 176 arealigned such that the respective portions of the second indicia element154 are aligned. As discussed above with respect to other embodimentsherein, the panel portion 150 is biased toward one of the first andsecond positions A and B by way of its attachment to the upper assemblyand/or the construction of the curved pivot axis 151.

A second alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS.7-9 and generally designated 210. This second alternative embodiment issimilar to the embodiments above with a few exceptions. For example, thestrap 228 is made of two layers: the first layer 270 having a void 272,and the second layer 276 positioned behind the first layer 270. A panel240 is joined atop the first layer 270 of the strap 228. The panel 240includes a stationary portion 242 and a pivoting portion that defines apanel portion 250. The panel portion 250 has a first side 278 and asecond side 280 and is pivotable between the first and second positionsA and B.

As shown, the first indicia element 252 is provided across both thestationary portion 242 of the panel 240 and the first side 278 of thepanel portion 250. Thus, when in the first position A as shown in FIG.7, the stationary portion 242 and panel portion 250 show the firstindicia element 252. An upper portion of the second indicia element 254is included on the second layer 276 and positioned within the void 272.Therefore, in the second position B, as shown in FIG. 9, together thesecond side 280 of the panel portion 250 and the second layer 276 of thestrap 228 reveal the second indicia element 254. Accordingly, in thesecond position B, the first layer 270 and the second layer 276 arealigned such that the portions of the second indicia element 254 arealigned. As discussed above with respect to other embodiments herein,the panel portion 250 is biased toward one of the first and secondpositions A and B by the curved pivot axis 251.

A third alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS.10-12 and generally designated 410. This third alternative embodiment issimilar to the embodiments above with a few exceptions. For example, thepanel 440 is similar in construction and functionality to the panel 40of FIGS. 1-3, except that the stationary portion 442 of panel 440extends along substantially the entire length of the strap 428, from amedial side 420 of the shoe to the lateral side 422 of the shoe. Thepivoting portion 444 can be integral with the panel 440 and disposed ona lower edge of the stationary portion 442. The stationary portion 442transitions to the pivoting portion 444 along the pivot axis 451.Optionally, the panel 440 can be primarily in the central third or halfof the strap, generally centered over the tongue 426.

A fourth alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS.13-15 and generally designated 510. This fourth alternative embodimentis similar to the embodiments above with a few exceptions. For example,the alternate strap 528 includes a panel 540 made up of a stationaryportion 542 and a pivoting portion 544. The stationary portion 542 canbe of substantially the same dimensions as the strap 528. The pivotingportion 544 can be integral with the panel 540 and disposed on a loweredge of the stationary portion 542. The stationary portion 542transitions to the pivoting portion 544 along the pivot axis 551.Optionally, pivoting portion 544 can be folded over part or all of thestationary portion 542 when in the first position A as shown in FIG. 13.A first indicia element 552 can be included on a first side 578 of thepivoting portion 544, and a second indicia element 554 can be includedon a second side 580 of the pivoting portion 544. When the pivotingportion 544 is folded up about the pivot axis 551 to a first position A,a first indicia element 552 is visible, and a second indicia element 554is concealed. When the pivoting portion 544 is folded down about thepivot axis 551 to a second position B, the second indicia element 554 isvisible, and the first indicia element 552 is concealed. In this secondposition B, the pivoting portion 544 extends below the strap 528 and thesecond indicia element 554 may extend across both the second side 580 ofthe pivoting portion 544 and the previously concealed portion of thestationary portion 542. Of course, it should be understood that thepivoting portion 544 may be formed of a separate piece of material andcan be joined with the strap 528 or panel 540 by stitching, adhesive, orany other suitable means. Additionally, the strap 528 and the panel 540may be formed by a single layer of material such that the panel 540functions as the strap 528.

Referring now to FIG. 16 an fifth alternative embodiment of footwear 10′including an alternate upper 18′ having multiple panels 40′ isillustrated. The alternative panel may include multiple panel portions50′ that are foldable about the axis 51′ in a booklet-styleconfiguration. This fifth alternative embodiment enables multipleindicia elements 52′, 54′ to be included with the footwear 10′. Theillustrated example includes three panel portions 50′, however, itshould be understood that substantially any number of panel portions 50′may be included.

Generally, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, the panel isdisposed on the vamp portion of the upper, and more specifically on theclosure strap of the upper. Optionally, the panel may be positioned onsubstantially any curved surface of the upper. For example, the panelmay be joined with the upper on a curved exterior surface of any one orall of the vamp, the heel counter, and the toe box. Referring to FIG.17, implementation of a sixth alternative embodiment of the footwear 10″with an alternate panel 50″ is shown positioned on the heel counter 19″.It should be noted that the panel may be positioned on the alternatelocations in addition to, or instead of, the previously describedembodiments. In other words, a single panel may be positioned on any oneof the vamp, heel counter, or toe box; or multiple panels may bepositioned on any combination of these locations. For example, analternate panel may be positioned atop the toe box such that its pivotaxis is parallel to the longitudinal axis LA and the alternate panelportion flips between medial and lateral sides of the footwear.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a seventh alternative embodiment of footwear10′″ including an alternate upper 18′″ having multiple panel portions50′″ is illustrated. The alternative multiple panel portions 50′ may befolded in an accordion-style booklet configuration. This seventhalternative embodiment enables multiple indicia elements 52′″, 54′″, 55′to be included with the footwear 10′″. The panel portions 50″ may bepulled away from their biased position A or B, and the arrangement ofthe panel portions 50′″ may be altered to display different indiciaelements or combinations of indicia elements. In other words, the panelportions 50″ may be stacked in a different arrangement to revealdifferent indicia. As with the other embodiments disclosed herein, thecurved axis of the panel portions creates a bias, which urges the panelportions to any one of the selected positions in which the axis is againcurved.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the strap and panel may beformed of multiple layers of material. Examples of material that may beused include polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, synthetic fabric,hook or loop, or any other suitable material.

Optionally, substantially the entire strap can be backed with either ahook layer or loop layer. In this case, in addition to correspondinghook or loop material disposed on the lateral and/or medial quarters 20,22, hook or loop material may also be included on the upper surface ofthe tongue 26. In this manner, the strap secures the tongue 26 in place,as well as secure a wearer's foot within the foot void 16.

In an eighth alternative embodiment, an article of footwear isillustrated in FIGS. 19-21C and generally designated 310. In this eighthalternative embodiment, the footwear 310 includes an upper 318 that hasmedial quarter panel 320 defining a first slot 334 and a lateral quarterpanel 322 defining a second slot 336. The medial and lateral side orquarter panels 320, 322 and the first and second slots 334, 336 are inspaced relationship and are disposed on opposing sides of a wearer'sfoot. The upper 318 may also include a vamp 324 contoured to fit theshape of the foot, and the medial and lateral quarter panels 320, 322are joined with the vamp 324. Additionally, the upper 318 includes astrap 328 that extends through the first slot 334 and the second slot336 through the lateral and medial quarter panels 320, 322,respectively. The strap 328 is configured to snugly secure a wearer'sfoot within the foot void 316.

The strap 328 is moveable, in either of generally opposing lateraldirections, relative to the first and second slots 334, 336 between afirst position A shown in FIG. 20C, and a second, different position Bshown in FIG. 21C. Optionally, in this movement, the strap slidesrelative to the side panels and/or the slots. The strap 328 includes afirst end 330, a second end 332, and a center portion 333 disposedbetween the first and second ends 330, 332. The first end 330 includes afirst closure device 338, the second end 332 includes a second closuredevice 342, and the center portion 333 includes a third closure device342. Additionally, the lateral quarter panel 322 includes a fourthclosure device 344, and the medial quarter panel 320 includes a fifthclosure device 346. It is contemplated that the closure devices 338-346may be in the form of complementary hook and loop type fasteners,magnetic fasteners, or any other suitable type of fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 20C and 21C, a first indicia element 352 and asecond, different indicia element 354 are shown. The first indiciaelement 352 is located on the first end 330 of the strap 328, on a sideof the strap 328 opposite the first closure device 338. Similarly, thesecond indicia element 354 is located on the second end 332 of the strap328, on a side of the strap 328 opposite the second closure device 340.The upper 318 and strap 328 are configured such that the first indiciaelement 352 is exposed when the strap 328 is in the first position A,and the second indicia element 354 in exposed when the strap 328 is inthe second position B.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A-C, in the first position A, the strap 328 isslid toward the medial quarter panel 320, as indicated by arrow X inFIG. 20A. The first end 330 is folded over a top of the lateral quarterpanel 322 toward the center portion 342, as indicated by arrow Y shownin FIG. 20B. The first closure device 338 is secured to the thirdclosure device 333 on the center portion 342 such that the first end 330of the strap 328 is secured to the center portion 342. The second end332 is folded overtop the medial quarter panel 320, as indicated byarrow Z shown in FIG. 20C. The second closure device 340 is secured tothe fourth closure device 344 located on the lateral quarter panel 322such that the second end 332 of the strap 328 is secured to the lateralquarter panel 322. In this configuration of first position A, the firstindicia element 352 is exposed and the second indicia element 354 isconcealed.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A-C, in the second position B, the strap 328 isslid toward the lateral quarter panel 322, as indicated by arrow X shownin FIG. 21A. The second end 332 is folded over a top of the medialquarter panel 320 toward the center portion 342, as indicated by arrow Yshown in FIG. 21B. The second closure device 340 is secured to the thirdclosure device 333 on the center portion 342 such that the second end332 of the strap 328 is secured to the center portion 342. The first end330 is folded overtop the lateral quarter panel 322, as indicated byarrow Z shown in FIG. 21C. The first closure device 338 is secured tothe fifth closure device 346 located on the medial quarter panel 320such that the first end 330 of the strap 328 is secured to the medialquarter panel 320. In this configuration of second position B, thesecond indicia element 354 is exposed and the first indicia element 352is concealed.

Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, a foot may bereceived through the foot opening and the closure strap may be pulledover the upper to snugly secure the wearer's foot within the foot void.The wearer may then select which indicia element he or she wishes to bevisible. If the opposite indicia element is desired, the panel may beeasily pivoted about the axis to the opposite position, thereby exposingthe desired indicia element and concealing the undesired indiciaelement.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-21C, a foot may bereceived through the foot opening, and the closure strap may be shiftedin either of the generally lateral opposing directions. The strap may beshifted relative to the slots. One end of the strap may then be foldedover top of the quarter panel and secured to the center portion of thestrap. The opposite end of the strap may then be folded overtop thecenter portion and secured to the opposite quarter panel. Thisconfiguration reveals one indicia element and conceals the other. If theuser desires the opposite indicia element, the strap may be shifted inthe opposite lateral direction. The opposite end of the strap may befirst secured to the center portion, and the remaining end of the strapmay be secured to the opposite quarter panel. This oppositeconfiguration reveals the desired indicia element while concealing theundesired indicia element.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure ispresented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as anexhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may bereplaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features thatare described in concert and that might cooperatively provide acollection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to onlythose embodiments that include all of these features or that provide allof the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly setforth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in thesingular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” isnot to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An article of footwearcomprising: an outsole; an upper joined with the outsole, the upperincluding an exterior surface; and a strap joined with the upper andhaving a panel foldable about an axis between a first position and asecond position, wherein a first indicia element is exposed when thepanel is in the first position, wherein a second, different indiciaelement is exposed when the panel is in the second position.
 2. Thearticle of footwear of claim 1, wherein the panel conceals the secondindicia element when in the first position, and wherein the panelconceals the first indicia when in the second position.
 3. The articleof footwear of claim 2, wherein the panel includes a fastener toreleasably maintain the panel in at least one of the first and secondpositions.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upperdefines a foot void adapted to receive a wearer's foot and an exteriorsurface, the exterior surface having a curved contour, and wherein thestrap is disposed over the curved exterior surface and is configured tosecure the foot within the foot void.
 5. The article of footwear ofclaim 4, wherein the panel comprises a first stationary portion, a firstpivoting portion, a second stationary portion, and a second pivotingportion, wherein the first and second stationary portions are adjacentto one another and are joined with the strap, and the first and secondpivoting portions are disposed back-to-back and are pivotable betweenthe first and second positions.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1,wherein the exterior surface of the upper has a curved contour, andwherein the strap and panel are disposed over the curved exteriorsurface and follow the curved contour, wherein the panel is urged toeither the first position or the second position due to the curvedcontour.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein the upperincludes a vamp, a heel counter, a toe box, and a tongue, and the panelis joined with the upper on a curved exterior surface of one of thestrap, vamp, heel counter, toe box, and tongue.
 8. The article offootwear of claim 7, wherein the panel is foldable about the axis andthe axis is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the article offootwear.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the strap isreleasably fastened to the upper by one of a hook and loop fastener, abuckle, a snap, a magnet, and a friction device.
 10. The article offootwear of claim 6, wherein the upper includes a plurality of panelshaving a plurality of indicia elements, wherein the plurality of panelsare foldable about the axis in a booklet-style configuration.
 11. Thearticle of footwear of claim 6, wherein the upper includes a pluralityof panels having a plurality of indicia elements, wherein the pluralityof panels are arranged in a folded accordion configuration.
 12. Thearticle of footwear of claim 1, wherein the panel is curved in adirection between medial and lateral portions of the upper.
 13. Thearticle of footwear of claim 1, wherein the axis is located apredetermined distance below an upper extremity of the tongue or theupper and is curved to follow a curved contour of the exterior surface.14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein in at least one of thefirst and second positions, the panel is folded upward, away from theoutsole, and is biased by the curved axis such that the panel remainsfolded upward during normal activity of the wearer, without engaging anankle of the wearer.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein inthe other of the first and second positions, the panel is foldeddownward, toward the outsole, and is biased by the curved axis such thatthe panel remains folded down during normal activity as performed by thewearer.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the axis iscurved to follow a curved contour of the exterior surface so that whenthe panel is in the first position or the second position the axis beingcurved forces the panel into a curved shape.
 17. An article of footwearcomprising: an outsole; an upper joined with the outsole, the upperdefining a foot void adapted to receive a wearer's foot, the upperincluding an exterior surface having a curved contour; and a strapjoined with the upper adjacent the curved contour and having a panel,the panel pivotable about an axis and urged to either a first positionor a second position due to the attachment of the strap to the curvedcontour, wherein a first indicia element is exposed when the panel is inthe first position, wherein a second indicia element is exposed when thepanel is in the second position, wherein the axis follows the curvedcontour and is generally curved.
 18. The article of footwear of claim17, wherein the panel conceals the second indicia element when in thefirst position, and wherein the panel conceals the first indicia when inthe second position.
 19. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole;an upper joined with the outsole, the upper defining a foot void adaptedto receive a wearer's foot, the upper including an exterior surfacehaving a curved contour; and a strap joined with the upper adjacent thecurved contour and having a panel, the panel pivotable about an axisbetween a first position and a second position and including a firstedge and a second edge, wherein the panel exposes a first indiciaelement in the first position, while concealing a second indicia elementin the first position, wherein the panel exposes a second, differentindicia element in the second position, while concealing the firstindicia in the second position, wherein the axis follows the curvedcontour and is curved, wherein the panel is of a first curvedconfiguration from the first edge to the second edge in the firstposition, wherein the panel is of a second curved configuration from thefirst edge to the second edge in the second position, wherein the panelmoves through an intermediary position as it transitions to at least oneof the first position and the second position, wherein the panel isurged to achieve at least one of the first curved configuration and thesecond curved configuration as it moves through the intermediaryposition, whereby the panel snaps into either the first curvedconfiguration or the second curved configuration in the first positionand in the second position, respectively, generally following the curvedcontour of the exterior surface in the first position and the secondposition.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the upperincludes a plurality of panels and the plurality of panels are foldablein at least one of a booklet-style configuration and an accordionconfiguration.